ASL Resources

Signing Naturally Series

The Signing Naturally Series, which consists of level 1, 2 and 3 workbooks and DVDs, is organized on communicative functions that help students learn the most common American Sign Language (ASL) skills they need to communicate effectively with Deaf people. With a plethora of ASL literature, students will develop signacy by reproducing narratives and creating original literature. In addition, the materials provide students with an introduction to Deaf culture, behavior, norms, and registers, which add to the authenticity of the ASL skills being taught. The teacher’s guide provides ASL instructors with structured lessons, helpful tips, presentation slides, activities for a range of learning styles, and learning strategies to promote the student’s ability to continue learning beyond the classroom.

Introduction to American Deaf Culture

Introduction to American Deaf Cultureby Thomas K. Holcomb is a textbook and website companion which provides students with an overview of Deaf culture. The materials can be used as a supplement to introductory American Sign Language (ASL) courses or for an introduction to Deaf Studies course. Divided into 15 chapters which gradually build the students’ understanding of Deaf culture and the Deaf community, the textbook quickly engages students and maintains their interest in learning. A chapter in the textbook is devoted to diversity and the intersections of multiple identities within the Deaf community.

A Sign of Respect

A Sign of Respect: Strategies for Effective Deaf/Hearing Interactions by Thomas K. Holcomb and Anna Mindess is a DVD and electronic workbook, which provides students with different cultural activities to prepare for meeting and socializing with Deaf people. The DVD contains an interactive way for students to examine 18 potentially sensitive situations involving Deaf people and understand the culturally appropriate responses to each of them. In addition, the electronic workbook provides activities for students to research and prepare for attending Deaf events, exercises to develop introspective and critical thinking skills about their culture and how it compares with other cultures, and a bonus section to practice specific ASL language skills.

Deafhood Discussions

Deafhood Discussions is a website, which provides videos, articles and other contemporary resources related to the Deaf community. The website has contributions by diverse native Deaf signers related to literature & arts, media, education, activism and research, which are authentic texts for advance level American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies courses.

ASLized!

ASLized! is a website, which is a collection of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf literature contributed by diverse native Deaf signers. ASL videos about topics related to linguistics and genres of literature including drama, history, ideology, humor, LGBTIQ, moral, nature and personification, are authentic texts which can be used for advanced ASL and Deaf Studies courses.